The Uburu Traditional Rulers Council in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State has announced a community-wide spiritual cleansing exercise and imposed a dawn-to-dusk curfew following the controversial death of Mary Habila.
According to a public notice issued by the council and signed by Chief Nicholas Odi on behalf of the traditional rulers led by HRH Eze Lazarus N. Umahi, the traditional rite, known as “Isu Arua,” will be observed on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
The council directed all residents to remain indoors between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., while markets, businesses, social activities and public gatherings will remain closed throughout the exercise.
The traditional rulers described the cleansing exercise as a sacred cultural rite aimed at promoting peace, unity and spiritual renewal within the community, urging residents and visitors to cooperate fully with the directive.
The development comes as investigations continue into the death of Mary Habila, who died under controversial circumstances at the residence of the Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, in Uburu.
Senator Umahi has called for a comprehensive forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, stressing that a scientific investigation is necessary to ensure transparency and establish the truth.
While Habila’s family has opposed the autopsy and requested the immediate release of her body for burial, the Ebonyi State Police Command has maintained that a post-mortem examination remains necessary due to the sensitive nature of the case.
Police say investigations are ongoing and have assured the public that the matter will be handled professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law.
